An introduction to
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What is Aeropress?
In terms of extraction, the Aeropress offers versatility and precision. The ultra-fine filter prevents sediment from remaining in the coffee, similar to the V60 method, bringing more crisp and pronounced flavors out of your coffee.
This method also makes use of precisely measured coffee to water ratios, allows the coffee to bloom and degas, and facilitates an even agitation and water exposure to the grounds. These elements of quality, combined with the vessel's ease of use and portability are what has defined the reputation of Aeropress coffee So, let’s get started.
Equipment List
- Clean Aeropress (and filter)
- Coffee Grinder
- Coffee Scale
- Whole Bean Coffee
- Filtered Water
- Kettle
Average Brew Time: ~2.5 minutes
Step 1
Measure, or dose-out, your coffee : water ratio.
For the Aeropress method, we recommend using a 1:11 ratio of coffee to water. You can adjust this up and down depending on your coffee, your vessel and your personal taste.
We recommend starting with 18g of coffee to 200g of water.
Step 2
Set the water to boil in your kettle.
Starting this process now will save you time while preparing the grounds and also allows the water to cool slightly after boiling.
We want the water to be around 195-205°F when we pour it over the coffee.
Step 3
Grind your coffee.
For the Aeropress method, you will want to aim for a medium grind size, similar to that of table salt.
This grind size allows a even extraction and the ideal resistance when you push the coffee through the filter. This prevents over extraction of the beans, which will yield muddy and bitter coffee, or under extraction that would yield watery and acidic coffee.
Try to make the grind as consistent as possible to get an even extraction of flavor from your beans.
Step 4
Add your filter and pre-wet it by pouring a circle of hot water over it, then dispose of the water.
This process of pre-wetting the filter extracts and chemicals from the paper, and prevents your brew from being diluted with dry papery flavors.
Step 5
Invert your Aeropress and add your fresh grounds. Start your timer and pour ~35g of water using a spiral-like pour to try to wet all of the coffee grounds.
Wait 20-30 secs.
This process is called blooming. Wetting the grounds like this, before pouring the rest of the water lets the coffee release some of it’s volatile gasses (namely CO2) and ensures that your grounds will be evenly extracted when you pour in the rest of the water.
Step 6
When the gasses have subsided, pour in the rest of your water, using small circles. Then, stir about 10 times to agitate the coffee.
Let the coffee stand for ~2 minutes.
Add your filter cap, and press the coffee out into your catch vessel. Stop when you here a hissing sound from the Aeropress.
With the Aeropress method, even agitation and grind size are extremely important as the coffee needs to extract evenly in full contact with the water. Stirring the mixture aids in this process, but it is important not to over stir as this will yield bitter coffee.
Our Recommendations
While your home equipment may seem sufficient, we have outlined our recommended line-up below if you want to dial-in your coffee equipment.
The Aeropress vessel is made of a a tube, plunger, and filter. It has a sleek design and is both durable and easy to clean. This makes it ideal for brewing quality coffee with minimal investment, or even brewing on the go.
For a coffee grinder, it would be difficult to beat the quality of the Baratza Encore for the price. It is hands-down the most affordable quality grinder on the market, and it yields consistent and even grinds.
Since precision is essential to a quality brew, you may consider a Brewista Ratio Scale for its precise measurements. This coffee scale has the ability to give your pouring speed when using pour over brew methods, which optimizes extraction time for the perfect cup.
The whole bean coffee you use with the Aeropress method can vary to your taste. However, since the Aeropress is capable of pulling out exquisite flavors, we'd suggest a complex high-altitude coffee with a medium to light roast profile. You can find these qualities in our Bolivia, Dominican Republic, and Ethiopia beans, giving you the most flavor for your Aeropress experience.